Sprint racing à la F1 in MotoGP? Apparently, the Royal Cubature is about to undergo a big change!

One of the biggest changes to the race weekend format in the history of the motorcycle World Championship! The success of sprint racing, as seen in Formula 1 in particular, is absolutely undeniable, although many fans (especially the more conservative ones) view it rather unfavourably. And it looks like the MotoGP series is on its way to try out this short-race phenomenon as well.

MotoGP hasn’t had it too easy in recent years. Lower attendances at several circuits and falling TV ratings.

This crisis in the popularity of the World Championship can be attributed to the departure of nine-time world champion and legend Valentino Rossi and the long absence of another great champion, Marc Márquez.

However, other factors are at play here. Poor advertising and promotion in MotoGP countries. But most importantly, the format of the prestigious category’s race weekend has not changed in the last ten years.

The last time changes were made was in 2013, when the hour-long qualifying session was replaced by the current system of the top 10 riders advancing to Q2, i.e. straight into the battle for pole position.

From next year onwards, we will see the whole weekend diversified for the first time in a long time. The sprints that many of you will know from Formula 1 or the World Superbike Championship are coming to MotoGP. However, this is not an exact replica of either the queen of motorsport or the WSBK.

Unlike F1, where sprints are held on the occasion of the three Grands Prix per season, short races are expected to be held during each round of the MotoGP season. Sprints will remain a separate part of the weekend, with the length of the sprints expected to be half that of Sunday’s races, about 10 to 15 laps.

Qualifying is expected to take place on Saturday morning. Qualifying results will still determine the starting order for Sunday’s Grand Prix. According to The Race, they should also set the grid for Saturday’s sprint itself. There are plans to cancel one practice session and Sunday’s warm-up.

MotoGP is not expected to discuss the change with all team officials until Friday’s rally during the Austrian GP. The official confirmation is expected to come during Saturday.

Sources: Motorsport, The Race